Build a subatomic particle detector in your kitchen using common household items

The Kitchen Cloud Chamber with Prof. Anne White · 44:20 · Video: MIT OpenCourseWare · Watch at the source

In short: You do not need a supercollider to observe cosmic radiation. Professor Anne White demonstrates how to construct a functional cloud chamber using dry ice and rubbing alcohol, revealing the invisible decay events happening around us in about an hour.

A cloud chamber makes subatomic particles visible through a simple setup of cooling and alcohol vapor. This project serves as a practical tool for physics education, illustrating how hands-on tinkering fosters the creative problem-solving skills essential for high-level engineering.

Beyond the kitchen, Professor Anne White discusses the long-term pursuit of nuclear fusion as a clean energy source. The conversation also explores the role of mentorship and how early childhood play can shape the career of a scientist.

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